In a tragic turn of events unfolding this week in the heart of Islamabad, the fervent calls for solidarity with Palestine took a devastating toll as a car careened into a group of pro-Palestine protesters, claiming two lives and injuring four others. The driver, identified as an army officer, has been swiftly taken into custody by the Islamabad police and handed over to military authorities for further legal proceedings.
The incident occurred amidst ongoing demonstrations at the D-Chowk area of Islamabad, where protesters had gathered to voice their support for Palestine. Monday’s chaos erupted when a speeding vehicle plowed through the crowd, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Taqi Jawad, a spokesman for the Islamabad police, confirmed the arrest, stating, ‘The driver who crushed two people to death was arrested from the scene and identified as an army officer. He was nominated in the FIR [police report] and later handed over to the military police for further legal action.’
While the protesters mourned the loss of their comrades, their resolve remained unshaken as they pledged to persist in their demonstrations, demanding decisive action from the Pakistani government in backing the Palestinian cause.
Echoing the sentiments of many, Lawyer Humaira Masihuddin emphasized, ‘We feel that the State of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan should do far more than it has been doing till now.’
Pakistan, staunch in its non-recognition of Israel, has long been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian plight on the international stage. However, the tragic incident has reignited criticism, with some, like student Rabail Shahid, pointing fingers at the government’s alleged negligence in ensuring adequate security for the demonstrations in Islamabad’s heavily fortified Red Zone area.
As investigations unfold and the nation grapples with the aftermath of this sorrowful event, questions linger over the broader implications for the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly.”
